SDCGA recognizes Rep. Joel Dykstra with Legislative Award

January 11, 2007

The South Dakota Corn Growers Association (SDCGA) presented Rep. Joel Dykstra of Canton, S.D., a Legislative Appreciation Award at their 21st Annual Meeting Jan. 6. The recognition is given annually to an individual that has gone over and above his call of duty for the agricultural industry.

Rep. Dykstra is a long-standing friend of the SDCGA who is dedicated to creating value-added opportunities for agriculture. In both his business life and legislatively, Dykstra has been an ally and proponent for value-added agricultural projects, helping with business development and equity formation.

He was elected to the South Dakota House of Representatives in 2002 and has recently been elected to a third term. He served on the Governor’s Energy Task Force and has promoted renewable energy legislation, including acting as House prime sponsor of the bills creating and funding the South Dakota energy Infrastructure Authority. He also currently serves on the Advisory Council for the Anaerobic Digester Project at South Dakota State University.

Dykstra has carried the ball for many agricultural bills including exemptions from Contractors Excise taxes for construction of new or expanding ag processing facilities. He is a watchdog in addressing inequities in property tax assessments on ag property and is working for improvements to the process for ag property valuations and assessments. He is seen as a leader for this industry.

His passion for the agriculture industry is born from his belief that the industry and its producers drive South Dakota’s economic growth and development and the future of South Dakota will be tied to the successful development of 21st century agriculture and the continued success of agriculture producers.

This legislator represents District 16, the same district he was born and raised in. A graduate of Canton High School and Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma with a degree in Business Administration and Management, this leader’s career has largely centered on business development and consulting.

His community service activities include Economic Development Corporation, past school board member, Rotary Club and Church Council

He and his wife, Vicki, three grown daughters: Sarah, Cynthia and Laura.